If you had siblings, and as many as I did, you learned the lesson of sharing very early on. "Your" toy was not just yours, it was your little brother's, older sister's, and probably even your dog's at some point. Your wardrobe was a mixture of new and hand-me-downs from your older siblings. You could tell the difference between the two from the distinct apple sauce and ketchup stains.
Growing up, you attended a sleepover party every night. Sneaking into each other's rooms to play and read together, and if you were lucky enough, you even shared a room together. Adventures were always that much more fun with your best friends by your side. The occasional cry and hair pulling would disrupt the flow, but the beauty of childhood is that it's very similar to a fight between college boys: forgotten moments later.
Nothing beats the awe that you have for an older sibling. The jealousy of them being able to stay out past ten, being able to sleep at Suzy Q's house, being able to walk to the bus stop by themselves, it was like watching a celebrity.
Cue the awkward years. When you and your sibling were fighting you had a book of comebacks. You knew it would affect them and do the job, it was too easy. Your older siblings take advantage of your innocence. For me it was my older sisters telling me there was a new way to say "what" (telling me to ask the sales person "tw*t is this"). I wish someone had just told me Santa wasn't real.
High school and middle school everyone is caught up with their sports, honor societies, and homecomings. Fighting and teasing is a norm, but it does not hurt, you know it's to push each other's buttons and to keep each other entertained.
When college rolls around, everything comes full circle. Your siblings become your best friends again. Texting each other every day, FaceTiming each other when you get into a fight with mom to get the clarification you are right, and the occasional GIF sent to make the other laugh. Reuniting over holiday breaks is almost as exciting as seeing your dogs for the first time in months. Being bored is so much more fun together. Annoying mom is the best game when you all know the rules and cheat codes.
Now what happens in the real world, I can't tell you, but it's a step I am so excited to find out. Having three sisters has been the best gift I could have ever received. We're our own little clique. Our Snapchat group chat is constantly candid and hysterical, and the advise is always the most valuable. Being in four different states now, reuniting is something I wouldn't trade for anything. Thank you Rachel, Sophie, and Sami for being my worst influences, most valuable confidants, and for being my best friends.